Central Ohio mobilizes against Iraq war

Columbus Firefighters Union President Jack Reel detailed the extra burden placed on city firefighters, as many of their comrades have been deployed in Iraq. The details were shocking: 33,000 extra hours of overtime have been required to keep the city safe from fires and emergencies to make up for the staff shortage. Overtime costs now average an extra $2 million per year.

Steel Workers Organization of Active Retirees President Don Coulter and Vice President Bill Hartley detailed the financial hardships endured by steelworkers and working families, in general. Both reminded the officials of the cost to the community in jobs and resources, and demanded that elected officials echo the voice of labor and the people to end the war now.

Invited guests Mary Jo Kilroy, Democratic congressional candidate and former Columbus city commissioner, and Columbus City Councilors Charleta Tavares and Hearcel Craig heard the testimony from local activists, doctors and concerned parents. But Republican Reps. Deborah Pryce and Pat Tiberi did not respond to the invitation and were not represented.